“I understand Father Manship is exercising his constitutional rights; however, my position has not changed, and it will not change until such time the United States Department of Justice – Civil Rights Division presents to me a final report of its investigation of the East Haven Police Department," Mayor April Capone said in a statement. "Absent of this critically important information, it would be completely irresponsible for me to make a comment, or render an opinion for, or against any member of the department”.

The plaintiffs are seeking unspecified damages and a court order to stop the harassment.